Up and Coming MusiciansCategory

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

I began studying concert band music in the 6th grade. In the 7th grade, I joined the school’s jazz ensemble. Ever since I started playing music, I became attached to it. Many of my peers say that I possess a drive for music unlike anyone in the band.

Setup & Music Gear

Saxophonist Nick Vatis

What are you doing with music right now?

Currently, I am in the 8th grade at Altadena Middle School. I am involved in my middle school’s concert band and jazz ensemble. To strengthen my musical abilities, I am learning how to write and transcribe music.

Who are some of your influences?

Who do you/have you studied with?

I have studied with my middle school band director, Casey Ehrler. I also study jazz with my private teacher, Dr. Dan Puccio. Both of my mentors have helped me grow as a musician, and will continue to help me improve my musical skills.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

My ultimate goal for the future is to attend the Juilliard school in New York City and be apart of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. One day, I hope to bring this great art form back into the homes of millions of Americans.

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(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

Striving to be hailed as an impactful teen trumpeter Nic Scott is on a mission to give teen brass players a boost and he intends to use jazz to do it. Coupling fast-tracked world class education through intensive study with Hall of Famer Hunter Moss and the savvy to build a powerful network through social contributions such as playing taps at local soldier’s funerals Nic is raising awareness that bringing brass into a teen’s life outside of school reshapes their reality, changes their life’s rhythm, and makes them part of a community of fascinating quality people.

Trumpeter Nic Scott

As an artist Nic has a laser focus on developing his chops, range, sound, and technical skills to their fullest potential to rival the killer musicality he’s naturally equipped with. Nic has his own ideas about touring…he’s packed his schedule with clinicians and educators coast to coast. He figures the better he sounds on stage the better people will hear his message. This teen artist is focused on making music and making it matter.

Setup & Music Gear

1968 Selmer Deville and Bach Artisan 7C

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

In 2015 I started in school band, but I wasn’t studying music, I was just showing up for class. After a rough road in middle school my mother chose to homeschool me and found me a private trumpet teacher. Eventually as I began making music on my own terms, instead of noise for a school grade it changed the rhythm of my life into something that I love. Now I’m in harmony with my academics, my family, and myself. In early 2017 when I realized I wanted to define who I am with music I began to truly study it.

What are you doing with music right now?

In my 3-4 hours of daily practice I’m focusing on sound production in the higher registers and developing musicality within my audition pieces for school applications. And of course improv is always part of the day. The bigger picture: 1) Crafting jazz opportunities for local teens that do not exist. Seriously I live in the middle of nowhere Georgia, with a tiny population, a lot of poverty, and very little arts presence. There’s no better way to collaborate with other teen musicians and connect with the community than jazz. Lots of media attention, lots of community outreach, and I’m making serious strides toward my goal having secured my funding, space, and building my executive board. 2) I’m in intensive study several days a week with Bugle Hall of Famer, Hunter Moss, who’s had a concentration on jazz a big portion of his career. 3) I’m playing taps at veterans funerals because the soul stirring impact live taps has is something these guys earned, audio recordings are unacceptable. Other stuff I’m stoked about: I’m attending four educational events all over the country this year. Week long brass or trumpet focused workshops and camps and the International Trumpet Guild Conference, getting to every gig I can, and doing a brass instrument repair apprenticeship. I’m a little nervous but super excited to populate my website (www.nicscott.net) with professionally recorded tracks of my pieces and performances in August of this year.

Who are some of your influences?

Who do you/have you studied with?

A couple of school band directors started me out on mechanics, but the real studying started at Shorter University when Hunter Moss gave me his attention.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

I plan to make the most valuable impact that I can on teens and jazz is a universal language that everyone enjoys and responds to. Music was a turning point in my life. I was on a dangerous road. When my teacher’s approach to my music eduction grabbed my attention it opened a door for me that led to a healthy enjoyable and exciting life. I intend to open that door with my music for other teens for the rest of my life. That requires I become an accomplished jazz artist, educated teacher, and effective entrepreneur.

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(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

Originally, I didn’t really mean to study music. In the 6th grade, all of my friends always talked about playing this weird thing with a slide and it made funny noises. I just wanted to join in on the fun so I joined band and ended up loving it. I became much more serious about studying music when I got to middle school and high school, where I joined multiple ensembles.

Trombonist Breanna Johnson

What are you doing with music right now?

Currently I am in my senior year of high school and I am involved in many different things that deal with music. I’m in my high school stage band, pep band, symphonic band and marching band. Outside of school, I am in a jazz fusion band called 8 Days Late. We’re currently just going after as many gigs as we can.

Who are some of your influences?

I listen to a lot of music and I am easily influenced by a variety of genres. I am heavily influenced by Snarky Puppy, Huntertones, Lucky Chops and BadBadNotGood. Other inspiring artists/bands that are not jazz oriented include The Strokes, Lady Gaga, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.

Who do you/have you studied with?

I used to be in a rock band called Zoetic and we wrote our own music, and we played at a talent show. I’m currently in a jazz fusion band with other people who are also part of our high school stage band. We’ve been working on finding local gigs and we’ve participated in the Tri-C High School Rock Off at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I take lessons with my director Fred Burazer and I’ve also studied with guitarist Dennis Drummond.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

In my future, I would like to perform as much as possible or maybe teach private lessons. I’m going to college to major in jazz studies, but I’d still like to expand my boundaries. I would love to just tour the world and collaborate with other artists, and essentially create and share as much music as time allows.

Any additional information you would like to add?

Even though I’ve never taken lessons, I can also sing. I really enjoy singing and writing my own songs, it’s a relaxing thing to do.

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Terms and Conditions:

(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

Music has always been in my blood. My grandfather was a jazz saxophonist and my older cousin is a professional guitarist who studied music at NYU. I wanted to play music since I can remember. I started guitar lessons in 3rd grade, then trumpet lessons in 4th grade. In high school, I began seriously pursuing jazz trumpet.

Trumpeter Yale Friend

Setup & Music Gear

I play on a Cannonball 789-RL trumpet with a tuning slide custom built by Steve Loeb at L&L Music-Wind Shop. I use a Monette Resonance B2S3 mouthpiece.

What are you doing with music right now?

I currently play in four ensembles at Brown University. Most of my time is spent playing 2nd trumpet (the “jazz chair”) in the Big Band. We had a busy year, playing with Descemer Bueno, Ramon Diaz, and Pedrito Martinez in the fall, then with Jimmy Heath, and later Thomas Bergeron (the trumpet player) in the spring. In between we did a tour around Berlin.

I also play in a jazz combo, the klezmer band, and a salsa band. In addition to regular performances, my combo hosts biweekly jazz jams.

During the summer I teach jazz, trumpet, and ukulele at Buck’s Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp. When I am home, I play bass and trumpet at my synagogue for select Shabbat services.

Who are some of your influences?

Without a doubt, Wynton Marsalis is my biggest musical influence. I pay careful attention to everything he does; the way he plays, the way he sounds, the way he interacts with his fellow musicians, the way he carries himself, and his passion for education. My other influences include Louis Armstrong, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, James Morrison, and Wynton Kelly among many others.

Who do you/have you studied with?

My first trumpet teacher was Sasha Soper. He taught the 4th grade band class and is actually a very talented jazz drummer with whom I’ve since performed. Following were Bill Turner, Kevin Collar, Lyle Link, Brad Clements. I currently study with Matt McGarrell, who directs the Big Band and teaches classes in jazz history and composition, and privately study jazz theory and performance with Ed Tomassi of Berklee.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

I haven’t quite figured that out yet. In addition to music, I also study electrical engineering at Brown. My general plan is to play for as long as I can on top of another job, and to open the door if opportunity knocks.

Any additional information you would like to add?

Some other highlights of my musical experience are playing at Blues Alley in Washington D.C. four times, playing with Mike Stern, and more recently, rehearsing and performing with Roomful of Blues.

Interested in having your profile featured on our site?

Teen Jazz is also looking for young Jazz Artist features, so you could become a feature if you apply. You will be notified by email of the status of your application.

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(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

I was bored the summer after my fourth grade year. My father told me he had his old saxophone in the attic, so he got it out and told me to try and figure it out. I was very curious, and I was up for the challenge. I haven’t stopped since!

What are you doing with music right now?

Currently, I am recording my second album. I am also preparing for a tour of Europe this summer with a jazz big band in which I am the first tenor. Furthermore, I am directing my high school’s pep band.

Who do you/have you studied with?

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

I plan on finding a jazz combo to play with in college as well as playing in a jazz big band. I also plan to keep recording on saxophone and keyboard. I would ultimately love to be in a combo that played gigs in the Chicago area.

Interested in having your profile featured on our site?

Teen Jazz is also looking for young Jazz Artist features, so you could become a feature if you apply. You will be notified by email of the status of your application.

Terms and Conditions:

(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

Bassist Gabriel Severn

What are you doing with music right now?

I play bass in the Uptown Music Collective’s Sharp Red Jazz Quartet, Lock Haven University Jazz Ensemble, and Loyalsock Township Middle School Jazz Band, as well as the 5th grade band at school. I play double bass with the Williamsport Symphony Junior Strings, and do freelance gigs.

Who are some of your influences?

Who do you/have you studied with?

Tim Breon, Dave Brumbaugh, and Eddie Severn. I went to the Central PA Jazz Camp last summer and studied with Helen Sung and Steve Meashey.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

I plan to attend more jazz camps this summer and continue performing. I’m also planning to go to Gerald Veasleys Bass Bootcamp and Victor Wooten’s bass camp.

Anything else you would like to add?

Four months after starting the bass, I was asked to join the Urban Souls, a band of young musicians (ages 7-13) which performed Motown and soul music. During their 3 years together, The Urban Souls gained significant recognition in central Pennsylvania, performing over 75 gigs which included music festivals, TV and radio appearances, and numerous community events and benefits. Some of the high-profile events included: Little League Baseball and the Little League World Series, Williamsport Welcomes the World, the Lycoming County Fair, the Harrisburg Music and Wine Fest, Dauphin County Wine and Jazz Fest, the Downtown Billtown Music Festival, and Jersey Shore Town Meeting.

I have been a guest performer at the Scranton Jazz Festival, the Lock Haven University Jazz Ensemble, Bucknell University Jazz Ensemble, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair. I have also performed in several mainstage Uptown Music Collective productions.

I attended several music camps, including the Keystone Jazz Institute and Central PA Jazz Camp, where I played in the top jazz ensemble under the direction of Helen Sung. I regularly play at the Bull Run in Lewisburg, and will perform in the first Lock Haven Jazz Festival this summer.

Gabriel’s Official Bio

“Gabriel is a listener, which makes all musicians happy. He truly is so much fun to play with because he can turn on a dime! He makes ensemble playing out of a bunch of scattered egos. I feel fortunate to have played with him.” -Grammy Award-winner Steve Mitchell

“A rising force of nature. Gabriel Severn is on the fast track to great things.” -Dave Brumbaugh, Executive Director, Uptown Music Collective

11-year-old Gabriel Severn has been playing bass since he was 7 years old. 4 months after picking up the bass, he was asked by the Uptown Music Collective’s Executive Director Dave Brumbaugh to join the Urban Souls, a band of young musicians (ages 7-13) that performed Motown and soul music. During their 3 years together, The Urban Souls gained significant recognition in central Pennsylvania, performing more than 75 gigs including music festivals, TV and radio appearances, and numerous community events and benefits. Some of the high-profile events included: Little League Baseball and the Little League World Series, Williamsport Welcomes the World, the Lycoming County Fair, the Harrisburg Music and Wine Fest, Dauphin County Wine and Jazz Fest, the Downtown Billtown Music Festival, and Jersey Shore Town Meeting.

On his own, Gabriel has been a guest performer at the Scranton Jazz Festival, the Lock Haven University Jazz Ensemble, Bucknell University Jazz Ensemble, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair. He has also performed in several mainstage Uptown Music Collective productions.

Gabriel has attended several music camps, including the Keystone Jazz Institute and Central PA Jazz Camp, where he played in the top jazz ensemble under the direction of pianist Helen Sung.

He is currently the bass player for the Lock Haven University Jazz Combo, the Uptown Music Collective’s Sharp Red Jazz Quartet, the Loyalsock Township Middle School jazz band, and the 5th grade band at his elementary school. He recently began playing the double bass and plays with the Williamsport Symphony’s Junior Strings. He regularly sits in at the Bull Run in Lewisburg with Grammy Award-winning drummer Steve Mitchell, and will perform in the first Lock Haven Jazz Festival this summer.

Interested in having your profile featured on our site?

Teen Jazz is also looking for young Jazz Artist features, so you could become a feature if you apply. You will be notified by email of the status of your application.

Terms and Conditions:

(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

Back in 5th grade when everyone was signing up for either orchestra, band or general music, I knew I just wanted to do something because general music was just awful! So deciding to do flute was because my mother’s favorite movie had this solo piece she just loved, and she always wanted me to play it for her.

Setup & Music Gear

I use a Jupiter 507 Flute and a Yamaha Bari Saxophone from my school with Vandoren size 3 reeds usually.

Saxophonist & Flutist Shannon Watson

What are you doing with music right now?

Currently working with my schools concert, marching, and jazz band on both flute and saxophone while taking weekly lessons. I would love to expand on my jazz work outside of school however.

Who are some of your influences?

James Moody is someone I get a lot of ideas from, being he plays both saxophone and flute. He got the idea in my head that I can solo on flute. Ben Wendel’s music (Kneebody) also gave me alot of inspiration on ideas when first starting out, and I think my soloing reflects both of those ideas.

Who do you/have you studied with?

I do my flute studies with my private instructor Stephanie Hoeckley, and for saxophone I have worked with Bradyn Owens and Dan Puccio.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

I plan on studying music in college and seeing what happens from there.

Interested in having your profile featured on our site?

Teen Jazz is also looking for young Jazz Artist features, so you could become a feature if you apply. You will be notified by email of the status of your application.

Terms and Conditions:

(A) You cannot submit one sentence answers to the Teen Jazz Artist Application form questions, they must be a short paragraph.

(B) You must respond to the confirmation email that you receive from Shannon Kennedy after you submit your profile or your profile will not be published on Teen Jazz.

(C) Pictures and Contact Information on your page are optional, but let us at Teen Jazz know if you would like to have both or either on your profile.

When did you first begin seriously studying your instrument?

My mom told me to pick an instrument in the 5th grade, now I never look back and I love it!

What are you doing with music right now?

Currently a Sophomore in high school, I am in my HS wind ensemble 2nd chair alto soon to be 1st. Winter Percussion conga, bass drum, cajon, gong, shaker player. Also I am apart of the Colorado Honor band, along with that I am lead Alto player in Jazz band.

Who or what gave you the confidence to pursue music as a career?

I started taking guitar a little more seriously when starting to study under the intensity of Lee Barbour that broke me down and built me back up. And then It really happened around the time where I had been hired full time to play for this artist, Quiana Parler. I quit my day job and started playing gigs full time in Charleston, SC with Quiana and another close friend, Elise Testone (top 6 on American Idol), and my own band Slanguage. I still was trying to figure out if the hints from mentors ,audience members, and my own intuition of taking music as a serious life time career could one day feed a family. One morning I awoke to a phone call from Quiana asking if I wanted to play for Clay Aiken’s 2011 tried and true tour. This was my first opportunity that showed me that music could really be a career that put food on the table while still being able to do what I love. I saw that it could be comfortable living as a musician especially after meeting some of the players on the tour that were heavy hitters, experienced with playing for multiple pop artists (Felix Pollard, Del Atkins)

What are your thoughts on what it takes to be successful as a performer? Do you think any other skills are needed aside from the ability to play your instrument well?

I think one of the most important things is integrity and never giving up. Of course it’s important to know your instrument and know all your fundamentals. Study rhythm, time, timing, music theory, the blues, and building a true relationship with your instrument…those are all very key. But it’s about having those to facilitate the uniqueness of yourself and your personality through your playing. We all have a fingerprint that is one of a kind. That should be a testament of how one of a kind you can be as a performer. A lot of what it takes to be successful as a performer is the small detail such as being timely showing up to gigs, learning and knowing the music before rehearsal, and a simple smile and ease to your demeanor. The more you can find a way to genuinely connect with your audience, people, and community of musicians in general will help you as a performer. Understand that music is greater than ourselves as humans and that it’s something that has been on this planet for thousands of years if not longer. Music is a vibrational frequency that connects us all.I would say a large part of why I have gotten a lot of great gigs is because I make friends easily and show my face as much as I can on top of being a good listener and being prepared.

What are some of the things you did before your career as a performer became as successful as it is today?

I took a lot of advice from mentors and always surrounded myself with like-minded individuals that have good energy. I never closed myself off by genre and just said yes to as many gigs as possible. I always made time to go out and show my face and listen. The mutual respect that is created when you see another musician make an effort to come out to a show is priceless. On top of that, I always would go sit in at sessions whenever I could and even when feeling intimidated I would take a chance and go against my gut and just try It out. I went with a gut feeling to ask to sit in on a gig the first week I moved to Nyc. It was scary but that instance led to a gig where I met the guy who called me to play for Queen Latifah at the Super Bowl 2014. Of course I learned a lot from being in school at College of Charleston in the jazz department but what they did to prepare me most was be brutally honest and kick my butt on everything to the point that I stopped taking things personally. That really prepared me for the bigger scene in NYC. It’s important to be open to any type of opportunities that are presented. One of the best things that changed my playing was getting involved in gospel music and playing gospel church services while studying jazz.

What are some of your goals musically for the future?

I plan to release my first EP in the next couple months. I do a lot of production and in July 2014 I started a project to make 100 tracks in order to choose 9 for my full length album. I knew that the project would not only develop my production skills but also expand my catalogue for clients and open up my song writing abilities. I don’t want to throw the album together and want to do it right so I figured in the meantime I’ll release some music so that I can book more shows. I write and produce a lot with this great artist and musician named Elise Testone. Elise and I plan to tour Europe in the near future. Elise and I have worked together for 7 years off and on so there is a special chemistry between us that hopefully you guys will be hip too soon enough at music festivals and around the world. I have my own original project called Myth of An Atom which is a jazz influenced funk hip hop r&b drum and bass vibe band. I plan to do some festival circuit touring with that group as well. Also a high priority is doing more stuff with an electro drum and bass with jazz influence band I play with called Rhythm and Stealth led by Australian Bass Player ,Lex Sadler. Hoping to do a tour with Rhythm and Stealth soon. In the past I’ve done some film scoring and I want to do more of that as well as production for mainstream artists. Hopefully I’ll do some more playing for pop artists on tour and maybe even do some musical directing. I go with the flow a lot but still have goals of ushering more of my income with production so that my playing can be more focused on music I really love and want to be involved in. Since being in Nyc I haven’t got to play as much jazz as I want because it doesn’t necessarily always pay the rent. So hopefully some more challenging gigs that take me out of my element in the near future.

What inspires you to continue to pursue music? Have you ever come close to giving up and if you did, how did you overcome it?

One of the main things that inspires me is to see how music moves people and how much of a necessity it is for people. Music brings so much to the world. Music is one of the only things I’ve seen bring so many different types of cultures of people together. Especially playing in a gospel church you see how your playing can make people laugh, dance and cry. I’d be lost without music personally. One of things that inspires me other than my love and passion for music is certain mentors I’ve met that have showed me that it is possible to live any lifestyle you have ever dreamed of. There is money in the music business but it’s up to the individual to pimp the system and figure out how as an individual they can make it work. I’ve definitely come close to giving up. One of the first instances was when I started studying with one of my most influential mentors, Lee Barbour. He was so cold and didn’t smile and would just say “do it again” when I played something wrong. What I didn’t know is that he had his own zen way of planting a seed in my head that would grow regardless of my choices. He busted my a** on fundamentals, sight reading, and the true soul from Blues and r&b. He also showed me that jazz had no limitations and that it would truly help me learn my instrument. There was a point where I felt that I wasn’t able to do what he asked and I begged my dad to tell him I was sick so that I didn’t have to go…haha…He scared me a little bit, but I knew it was good for me deep down inside. It’s funny to think that now we can chill and hang like friends and that he taught me so much in really a short time. As time as progressed I realize how much similarities we share not just in music. He is truly a great human being who is a master that helped me question everything I was doing in life and in music.

What are some of the things you enjoy most about your career as a performer/recording artist?

I love being able to make a living in NYC doing what I love and it’s just amazing becoming part of this community of fantastic musicians and people that inspire me everyday to be the best I can be. I also love to witness the healing of music and how it can make a persons day better instantly. People from all over the world can play music together without speaking the same language and the journey that comes with it is beautiful.

Do you write music? Where do you get your inspiration?

Yes I write music. I’ve been writing music just about as long as I have been playing guitar. In July 2014 I started a 100 song project to really dive into the writing, producing, and engineering process. Within this process I am going to choose 9 of the 100 tracks to be a full length album with a live band and some of my musical heroes I’ve met and become friends with along the journey of moving to NYC. I am now at 95/100. Many things in life inspire my creation process. I went to a performing arts middle and high school 6-12 where I majored in visual arts so I get a lot of inspiration from that and films. I’m also very inspired by mythology and narrating a story with music composition. Growing up in Vermont and South Carolina inspired my creativity with the incredible nature of the forrests and mountains. The south really put a lot of blues, hip hop, funk, and gospel influence in my life that comes out in my production and performance. A lot of my inspiration originally came from grunge, fusion jazz, blues classic rock, pop and classical. Although, I am all over the place with inspiration….I really love books, world cultures, stories of love, language, and abstract/ambient sounds to be an influence on my song writing and playing.

What was your lamest gig and how did you learn from it? What was the best?

The lamest gig was probably when I showed up unprepared for a gig and learned the importance of really knowing tunes inside and out….Not just your part but every part of the song to understand your role in the music. The biggest rush came from playing the Super Bowl opening ceremony with Queen Latifah but it’s hard to say really what my best gig was. I love each gig because I learn from it and try to be better each time.

Hobbies other than Music:

Visual arts, design, painting, swimming, exercise, nature, yoga

What would your advice be for an up and coming, young musician?

To be as positive as you possible. Practice as much as you can and stay focused on one thing at a time. It’s really important to learn the history and dig into the originators of a lot of the music that’s out today. I really love the music out today and of course you must keep no boundaries but a lot of young musicians don’t listen to or pay attention to the importance of knowing the musicians that built the foundation for today’s sound. I’d also say that a young musician in general should try to play classical, gospel and the blues as much as possible. It’s really key to learn and know tunes….as many as possible. One thing in particular that I can’t stress enough is to not focus so much on the harmony and chops of your instrument. Focus on what matters most, which is : TIME, RHYTHM, GROOVE, and TIMING! Also it’s really important to get hip to the business side of music as well as composing/producing with a DAW such as Ableton Live, Logic, Pro Tools, Reason, etc… The new age of music is something to take advantage of and learn from. I wouldn’t be the player I am today if I didn’t produce because I learn so much about sonic placement and the role of instruments and arrangement. On top of that… If you can publish your music and get placements; you will continually make money when your not even doing any new work. This leads me to the last but not least about composing and improvising as much as possible. Doing these two things will expand and help one explore themselves to the greatest potential.

Are you up for sharing a few items that are in your music playlists at this moment and maybe a little bit about what you dig about them?

Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Chris Dave Drum Hedz. I love how experimental that group is and they all listen to each other so well. The groove they keep while entering different songs and metric modulations is incredible. Especially a big fan of Chris Dave and Isaiah Sharkey. The mix and sound that Isaiah has going on is so unique and new yet classic and shares similar sounds to George Benson and Joe Pass but with a funky gospel twist.

I am also listening a lot to Kendrick Lamar’s newest album which I’m obsessed with. I’m already a huge hip hop fan and the album is reminiscent of classic funk and jazz sounds interwoven throughout the highly creative hip hop grooves. The album is so thematic and conceptual which I really want to do with my upcoming EP to be released. The level of musicianship, production, composing, and song writing on the record is insane and I love that they took time to make the record and didn’t rush through it.

I am listening to the album “living the luxury brown” by Mint Condition. I was brought to it after finding out it was a record with Chris Dave on it that I hadn’t heard. I really dig this record because it’s a classic 90’s r&b soul vibe and sound but the groove and pocket is so thick on the album and it’s just feel good dance music with great musicians.

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